This May Concern You

I’m not going to waste too much time on this. I’ve been to Fort Hood once to cover a football game. I know people who’ve lived there, and what happened yesterday is absurd. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims. I’m thankful the suspect is still alive and will have to answer for his actions in this life.

Anyway, the five randoms:

1. What’s the best film you’ve seen thus far in 2009?

2. Do you think it was wise of Rihanna to take on the interviews she has this week? Why or why not?

3. What is your favorite scent (cologne or perfume)?

4. What was your favorite subject/class in high school?

5. What goes through your mind when you realize it’s getting dark at 5:30 p.m.?

Have a good weekend.

Ed’s Note: Today Monica turns [some age that I'm not dumb enough to type in the space of these brackets], so I thought I’d write her a letter.

Dear Mo,

I know you’ve kinda downplayed it some, but today’s a big day in your world, huh? You’re a year older and hopefully a year wiser. Knowing you, the latter is true. But I can’t be certain because a year ago at this time we probably wouldn’t quite call each other friends.

Sure, we’ve been around each other for about nine years. We’ve always been cordial and have quite a few mutual friends. But we hadn’t had more than a “hey, how are you?” conversation until some time this spring, not until one of those mutual friends pointed out how like-minded we were.

As crazy as that notion seemed at the time, I’m glad that over the last several months it’s been proven to be truth. We’re two people who can sit up and talk for hours on end, and we’ve done plenty of that this year. I’m grateful for that. I can honestly say that it’s a joy getting to know you and having you around.

Me and Mo, trying to get someone to dance $2.

As we get older, it seems like it gets tougher to keep up with the people you’re used to keeping up with consistently because we also seem to be so busy. And for me, you’ve filled a void or three because you’re always there answering the phone with some salient advice, goofy nonsense or crazy story. I know I haven’t said this, but you’ve helped me get through a few rough moments. Anyway, I just wanted to say thanks for all of that — “Your heart is true. You’re a pal and confidant.” (Yes, I still hate that show) — before I got to the point of this letter.

I’m writing this because of that “I’m getting old” conversation we had as we were getting on the elevator the other day. You know, the one where you complained about feeling old and I said something that didn’t really have anything to do with what you said because I was lamenting how much older than you I am. Yeah, that convo.

I’ve been thinking about it, and more specifically what I should have said in that moment instead of thinking about myself in a rocking chair. Though this probably wouldn’t come out of my mouth like this, it’s what I feel like I should have said:

Stop concerning yourself with age. Consume yourself with the people and things that you love most and are passionate about in this life. You know, the dreams you say I continually shoot down daily. Seriously, you’re one of the most talented, thoughtful and caring people I know. And as long as you’re patient and prudent, the things that you desire most in this life will be yours. Just focus on those things that are in your grasp and worry less about that which you can’t control.

Take the days you’ve already counted and cherish the memories you’ve taken from them. And continue doing more right than wrong in this life, as you have. Do so, and you’ll see that you’ve got many days of a great life left to live, i.e., the best of you is still hiding up your sleeve.

That’s something anyone who knows you well knows. You could say that I’m glad that I know you well at this point, and I can’t wait to see what comes of what’s up your sleeve. Anyway, happy birthday again and I hope you’re enjoying your day. See you soon.

Your friend,

Damon

P.S. Stop telling me to shut up when I’m not saying anything. lol.

I’ve said this before, but I’ll say it again: I’m a film snob. A big one. It takes a lot for me to actually like a film. Example: I caught that new Jamie Foxx flick a few weeks ago and hated it. Most everyone I know  loves it. Not that it wasn’t entertaining in some respects, but I felt like so much of what happened in the film didn’t make sense and wasn’t plausible (I won’t explain it further because I don’t want to spoil it for those who haven’t seen it).

There was one thing that thing that sorta shocked me, though: A particular black character lived throughout the entire film when I was certain death was imminent. It made me wonder if Hollywood has really received and implemented that memo about blacks not liking it when black characters die (abrutly/first) in films. Think about it. We’ve come a long way since “Scream 2″ when Jada Pinkett and Omar Epps were knocked off within the first five minutes, haven’t we?

That got me thinking about a few other things I hope to never see in film ever again. Maybe Hollywood will listen. Here goes:

Denzel's best roles are the ones where he's not arresting people...like Malcolm X

1. Denzel Washington playing a cop or public official. If I ever meet him, I’m asking him to read me my Miranda rights just to be sure he knows them. He should. Denzel is more typecast Ludacris playing a rapper. I know he does different films, but it has to get old playing a cop. And even when he’s not playing a cop now, he’s still conducting cop-like activity. Take “The Taking of Pelham 123″ for instance: He’s a “regular guy” who runs the MTA subway system in New York who just so happens to get caught in the middle of hostage situation and ends up being the negotiator. Right. The craziest part of it is that his best roles (“Malcolm X,” “John Q,” and “The Hurricane” — my opinion) don’t have him playing that recycled role.

2. The black guy chasing/catching cars and trains on foot. “Bad Boys.” Will Smith. You know exactly what I’m talking about. Actually, Will’s been guilty of this one a few times. “Men In Black” comes to mind. Usain Bolt is fast. But he’s not keeping pace with a car going 30 mph for five minutes in a film. Funny thing: Denzel did the exact same thing in “Pelham 123.”

3. Guys walking away from fire cool, calm and collected. The first time I saw this shot (It was probably the Governator in “True Lies”) I thought it was the coolest thing ever. Then I realized that I don’t know anyone who’s going to slowly walk away from fire as though it’s not hot. I get they do it for the “cool” factor, but it’s not realistic. Even action hero skin burns. Anyone with any good sense would run. So it only makes sense for them to do it in the films.

4. No bullets in the good guys, but plenty of shells. If 200 rounds fly in my direction, chances are I’m probably going to catch a few in the chest. Yet somehow, in most actions flicks, action heros are dodging bullets like Neo in the Matrix, and they’re not the one. It makes no sense. Bruce Willis should have died 100 deaths in film by now. Yet the only one I know of is the one where he sacrificed himself for the planet earth in “Armageddon.”

5. Opening the door with the “creeky noise” in the horror film. I get that horror films must have foolish characters in them for them to work. But this is ridiculous. If you’re watching people get knocked off left and right, the last thing you need to do is go anywhere near a strange noise. A character should be smart enough at that point to run the other way. But they never do. Nope, they go toward their inevitable deaths, which often makes the film unwatchable.

6. The girl who trips and gets caught by the bad guy because she can’t get up. This one annoys the hell outta me because it always seems to happen at the most inopportune time. You don’t see people fall just for the sake of falling because they’re clumsy. No, they trip and don’t get up so they can get caught by the killer… How novel.

7. Madea. No need in explaining this for the 1,243,097th time.

What film cliches do you hope to see Hollywood rid itself of immediately?

So it’s been established that I love good music. And I love people who have an appreciation for good music. Well, I was looking back over OneChele’s posts from her music week on Black ‘n Bougie and figured I’d share one of her lists over here. I’ll let it speak for itself. It’s a good one and a fun post…

From OneChele’s “Music for Under The Covers”

Damon: My fav piece of "mood music" comes from this album. I'm certain most of you know what it is...

Some off ya’ll are just all out there in the open with your freakiness. Yeah, this list may not be for you. This list is more making love in the rain than a hit-it-n-quit-it in the office mailroom, ya dig? This list is more Brian McKnight and less Luda. So here is some “Baby Come to Bed” music that ya’ll may don’t know about or haven’t thought about it a while. And again, I’m not talking about Lub in da Club, Do Me Baby or any of R. Kelly’s tunes about hotel lobby afterparties. Since we all know Marvin’s Let’s Get It On and Luther’s Love Won’t Let me Wait, what do you know about these? Here are ten deep cuts you should have on hand to “take it to the next level”:

1. Float by Anthony Hamilton: his voice is very gravelly and sexy and then he kind of breaks it on down in this song.
2. Blue Horizons by Maysa: very sweet, seductive, love on the beach tune [Blogger's Note: boo to Amazon for not having a clip for me to share]
3. Cross My Mind by Jill Scott: classic Jilly from Philly. It’s kind of a “I remember us like this” song, very sultry.
4. Fall Again by Glenn Lewis: Little known cut from the Maid in Manhattan soundtrack, this is mellow-smooth at its finest.
5. Teach Me Tonight the Al Jarreau version: not subtle at all but says what needs to be said.
6. Spend the Night by Rahsaan Patterson: Very well done borderline-begging song that draws you in with the vocal arrangement over soft guitar.
7. Crave by Incognito: One of my exes hipped me to this group and every song is a portrait of a mood. This mood speaks for itself.
8. Get next to you by Jamie Hawkins: Slept on cat. Son of gospel greats Walter and Tremaine Hawkins, I found this song from a love scene on Showime’s Series “Soul Food”. So hard to find, I couldn’t even find a sample of this song to share with you.
9. It’s on Tonight by Brian Culbertson and Will Downing: Did I say Will Downing… nuff said.
10. This Day, This Minute, Right Now by Mint Condition: It’s musical intercourse on vinyl (or whatever they use now).
11. Bonus Cut – Yes by Anthony David: combination of acoustic guitar and silky baritone wins every time.
12. Extra Bonus Cut – Rush Over by Me’Shell Ndegeocello: From the Love Jones soundtrack, her alto with Marcus Miller on bass. Please hydrate & stretch properly prior to playing.

Now I know dear readers, ya’ll have some favorite “quality time” cuts. And let me stop a few of you right here (you know who you are), H-Town’s Knocking the Boots is not a good look. Again, that’s freaky-sneaky, this list is for the seductive and sexy. Think Moet, chocolate covered strawberries and Egyptian cotton sheets, not a 40 ounce, bag of nacho-flavored Doritos and somebody’s back seat. That there is a whole different list. Maybe next Music Week? (or not) M’kay? Thank you… do share what are your best “bedroom game is tight” tunes?

So I took in “This Is It” last week. I’ve been mulling over my thoughts concerning the film, and whether or not to share them. To be honest, I wasn’t all that hype about seeing it. I think there’s something eerie about watching the rehearsals of a show that never happened.

And they’re rehearsals. Nothing more.

Then again, it’s Michael, and I was extremely curious back in March to see what Michael had in store for this sold-out tour. Remember, I was hoping they’d find some way to broadcast one of the concert shows in America (See, the P.S.). So I went with no real expectations and sat through the strewn together rehearsal concert set, searching for more understanding, like many others.

Michael announcing the tour that never happened.

To me, there wasn’t that much I’d consider to be grand about much of what I saw. Nothing all that innovative or unique.

The new interpretations of different songs and videos, such as Thriller, were pretty cool. I got a kick out of the dancers goaded Mike into singing at full strength and vibing with one of his background vocalists, and Mike’s competitive nature giving into the peer pressure. That was the best moment of it the film, with the dancers’ kind tributes/words concerning Mike that open the film coming in a close second.

Beyond that, there wasn’t anything too thrilling. I’m not say that it wasn’t intriguing. Seeing Michael kindly tell people off was a riot. Hell, just seeing him move and knowing these were his last moments on a stage ever made it worth the price of admission. Still, there was no grand Motown 25-type moment.

What got me, though, was the power and purpose of Michael’s music, even with him halfway singing. It’s not like I haven’t sat and listened to the music for hours in recent months. But there was something different about watching him practice this set of songs, and realizing that this was the final impression he wanted to leave of himself on a stage.

He and the people he worked with told stories, tales that had meaning and forced you to open your mind and maybe even your heart to a different, worthwhile perspective. And as you watch him practice, you realize that so much of it is timeless. You get the feeling that decades from now people are still going to be listening to Off The Wall, Thriller and Bad, searching out and finding some of life’s answers (same can be said for albums like What’s Goin On? and Songs In The Key of Life).

It got me thinking about the music that’s out today, and whether or not the only purpose is making money through a quick fix of a beat and meaningless lyrics. Not much of it is worth the time it takes to pirate it anything. I don’t know. Maybe we should just call it fast food music. It’s a quick fix for some, but has no good/real purpose over time.

But it’s what so much of our society is hooked on, music that hits for a moment but doesn’t stand a chance at standing the test of time. And the artists/musicians who have the talent to produce the worthwhile messages we should hear, don’t seem to be heard by the masses all that often.

Thinking about all of this, It left me to wonder last week if we buried the last voice capable of moving the masses? This really may be it. And if so, it’s interesting that he left us with this last glimpse of him at his core: Michael giving stern and pointed instructions to his musicians, but wanting them to know that his desire for perfection came from and with L-O-V-E.

Interesting.

If you’ve seen it, share your thoughts. If you haven’t, will you see it? If so, what are you expecting. If not, why not?